Ghostwriter, Content Writer, Copywriter for Hire, Copyeditor, Scriptwriting for audio ads, Julie Maddock

Captivating Tablescapes, Forever Bridal Magazine, Spring 2020

Sat, 07 Mar 2020 13:08:31 -0800

Captivating Tablescapes, Forever Bridal Magazine, Spring 2020, by Julie Maddock

Active Seniors Magazine

Sat, 11 Jul 2020 11:37:30 -0700

Active Seniors Magazine

"All Aboard" by Julie Maddock, pages 22, 23

Inspire Health Magazine, March/April 2020

Fri, 15 May 2020 14:18:25 -0700

"Jumpstart Your Weight Loss Program at a Wellness Retreat" by Julie Maddock, pages 18, 19

Favors Your Guests Won't Forget, Forever Bridal Magazine

Sat, 07 Mar 2020 13:41:21 -0800

Favors Your Guests Won't Forget by Julie Maddock, Forever Bridal Magazine, Spring 2020

Forever Bridal Magazine, Spring 2020, Meet Me at the Tapas Bar

Sat, 07 Mar 2020 12:33:49 -0800

Meet Me at the Tapas Bar by Julie Maddock

Sustainable Eating - Good for You and the Planet

Mon, 14 Oct 2019 10:25:06 -0700

Sustainable eating is choosing foods that are good for the environment and our bodies

Small changes now can create a big impact later. That is why we are so concerned with recycling, upcycling, and lowering our carbon footprint to the best of our abilities. And our collective efforts as a human family are making a difference. But, are there potential ecological footprints we can leave on the planet by our choices of food and how much land it needs for production? Yes, however, we can reduce those footprints by adopting sustainable eating practices. Simply defined, sustainable eating is choosing foods that are good for the environment and our bodies. It includes how food is produced, using techniques that help conserve natural resources and allow future generations to do the same. Consider just one aspect - grain-fed livestock.

According to the EAT-Lancet Report Commission on Food, Planet, Health, when our food is sourced from animals, especially red meat, it leaves a high-impact environmental footprint per serving in comparison to other food groups. These impacts include tons of greenhouse gas emissions and the amount of land allotted to raise the animals, such as cattle, which results in a loss of biodiversity.

Does this mean you have to become a vegetarian or vegan to make an impact? No, but making a conscious decision to eat less red meat, reaching a goal of 1 serving a week, can make a huge difference in your health and that of the planet. Consider making gradual changes to your diet by switching out red meat-based protein with plant-based protein such as vegetables, legumes, nuts, and also adding seafood and eggs to your weekly diet. Your physician will praise you for a healthier lifestyle choice and the planet will offer you a silent thank you.

Where to start? Here are three changes you can begin implementing this week as you prepare a menu and grocery list.

Learn how to resolve conflict at work and de-escalate a potentially dangerous situation

Everyone desires and benefits from a safe work environment. But, imperfect people doing their jobs in an imperfect world means there will be times when conflicts flare-up between individuals or even departments. Although some might prefer to simply ignore the situation, hoping it will resolve on its own, this is never a good long-term solution to workplace conflict. Leaving conflict unaddressed can lead to employee frustration, decreased productivity, an employee quitting, HR nightmares, and possibly a buildup to physical confrontation. Therefore, learning what you can do to resolve conflict at work and how to de-escalate a potentially dangerous confrontation is crucial.

Here are 4 proven strategies to do so:

1. Stay Calm. How you respond to coworker's behavior is going to either help or hinder in defusing the situation. Keep your emotions in check. Speak in a respective manner despite how they may be talking to you. This tells them you are willing to listen in order to understand their frustration. For some people, this is what they are truly craving - to be heard, to be understood. True, it will take humility on your part to do this, especially if you are in a position of oversight of this person, but isn't it more important to neutralize an escalating situation and more quickly resolve it? A positive outcome is more important than your pride.

2. Conversation Goals. Pick your battles wisely. Take a few minutes and think about what just happened. Could you overlook it? Or does it truly need to be addressed? If it does warrant a conversation, keep a few factors clearly in mind. Consider your objective - what you want to convey and walk away with. But, also consider their objective. Find out why they feel so strongly about this. As you listen...Read More

3 Fun Wordsmith Techniques for Copywriters

Tue, 01 Oct 2019 12:29:24 -0700

Writing in an informal, conversational style means breaking the rules!

A copywriter has to wear many hats - business and technical writing, guest blogs in a brand's voice, crafting resumes...important and necessary, but not exactly creative nor fun. However, the chance to write in an informal, more conversational style and tone - blogs or social media posts - allows the copywriter to unshackle from the cuffs of AP and Chicago rules and the expected grammar etiquette we are known for. It's a welcome opportunity to break a few grammatical rules!

Here are 3 examples of literary techniques to have a little fun with!

1. Drop the "G"

Definition: Remove the terminal "g" from a word that ends in "-ing".

Example: One of the most famous and memorable lines in advertising has to be from KFC - "It's finger-lickin' good!"

2. Invent a Word

Definition: Exactly what it sounds like - you get to make-up a word or choose a trending made-up word that will resonate with your target audience.

Example: Whether you like the term or it makes you cringe, manscaping has become part of our vernacular.

3. Malapropism

Definition: Use of an incorrect word (whether on purpose or by accident) because it sounds like the correct word. The effect is nonsensical humor.

Example: The nominee got a lot of electrical votes. (electoral)

Fun Fact: Malapropism is also referred to as Dogberryism. (Feel free to thank me when you whip that one out at Trivial Pursuit!)

The next post in this series will provide 3 more techniques to try. Let's keep the creative juices flowing!

Advanced Wordsmith Techniques for Copywriters

Sat, 28 Sep 2019 09:19:38 -0700

Wordsmith Techniques for Copywriters

Looking for unique ways to say what everyone else is saying?

Try using one or more of these literary techniques to generate new ideas and raise the creativity bar in your content writing. Each post in this series will highlight three examples of advanced wordsmithing. Let's dig in!

1. Anadiplosis

Definition: Repeating a word at the end of a clause and then using that same word at the beginning of the next clause.

Example: When he lost, he lost big time.

2. Colloquialism

Definition: Use of vernacular words or phrases, informal; local or regional expressions.

Example: Ah, you figured it out, buddy!

3. Hypophora

Definition: Ask and then provide the answer to a question.

Example: Will buying this coat be life-changing? No. Will it keep you toasty warm on winter days? You bet!

Using these techniques will open the door, or at least a window, to creative thinking when writing ad copy or content that needs a little kick. The next post in this series will introduce three more gems to consider adding to your wordsmith toolbox.

Making a Career Change - 4 Steps to Successfully Jumping Off the Cliff

Mon, 19 Aug 2019 11:37:22 -0700

It's what you've always wanted to do...

Wouldn’t it be great if the real world was as easy as the board game Life? Think about it: With just a spin of a plastic wheel, it is not only fun, but relatively easy, to choose a career, make money, get married, have a bunch of pink or blue plastic children, and retire comfortably with your amassed millions. And the best part? You can change careers by merely landing on a specified square. Bingo! You can go from hair dresser to surgeon in an instant.

Reality check: In the game of life we play every day, making a career change is a much more serious decision. Without a doubt, switching tracks professionally will have an impact on every aspect of your life. It may mean a better salary but more hours; you might lose all your employee benefits but enjoy the satisfaction of running your own business; or, you might discover a way to turn a part-time hobby into a full-time profitable career. Yes, dreaming of the perfect job is easy; making it a reality is another thing. This is where the heart starts to race with the painful swirl of “what ifs?” assaulting your brain.

However, despite the stress of uncertainty, changing careers is a step the majority of us will take during our lifetime. At times, circumstances will force a change of employment, for example, sexual harassment, unethical behaviors, violent threats or attacks from coworkers, or over-burdening stress that negatively impacts your health. Conversely, you may simply come to the realization that if work is a huge part of your life, why not work at a job you love. If your current job situation offers no outlet for creativity, stunts personal growth, or makes you profoundly unhappy or even depressed, this may be the time to spin the wheel and find a new career path that is both interesting and fulfilling. As one man put it, “I knew I had to make a change. I began to hate the repetitive, computerized work I was doing. I wanted a job...Read More